Tag: End Times

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Guest Posts

The Militant Bride

By Donna Abraham

IT IS MY COMPLETE DELIGHT TO HAVE DONNA ABRAHAM SHARE HER POST ON LARUS PRESS. PLEASE WELCOME DONNA, A PROPHETIC VOICE, A FELLOW CANADIAN, BASED IN THE UK & IRELAND. THIS IS WHAT SHE SHARES….

“This word has been burning on my heart over the past week from a dream I had on 29 September 2025.

In the dream, I was shown a white traditional wedding dress with an elaborate headdress, with all of its regalia. Then I was shown a separation of garments and the traditional wedding dress was no longer highlighted, instead a white military-style wedding outfit with double buttons down the front was brought to the forefront.

As I prayed into the dream, I sensed clearly that the traditional dress represented the established, traditional, religious church—structured, outwardly ordered, with an emphasis on the headdress, which I believe speaks of head knowledge.

But then in the dream there was an important separation — God was separating out what I would describe as the “Militant Bride.ˮ This Militant Bride are believers who are uncompromising and deeply devoted to Jesus. A remnant Bride who are awake to the times and seasons. They are not passive or distracted, they are aware, awake, discerning, and responsive to what God is doing. They are fearless in the face of darkness and adversity and willing to stand for truth and justice according to the Word of God.

God is separating out and spiritually distinguising these warrior Militant Brides. They are being prepared and refined and are fully yielded, regardless of the cost. For them, intimacy and relationship with Him are not secondary—it is the foundation of everything. We are in a season of divine distinction.

This is not about appearance or structure, it is about alignment. Psalm 97:10 states that if we love the Lord we must hate evil. That line is clear. Love for God and tolerance of evil cannot coexist. This is not about being harsh or self-righteousness, but about our hearts being so aligned with Him that they refuse compromise. Partnering with Jesus to destroy the works of darkness (1 John 3:8).

So the question is not about others—it is personal. It is about our heart posture. Where do we stand in this separating out? Are you willing to be one of those who live without compromise?
Are you willing to stand for truth and justice, even when it is uncomfortable?
Are you willing to prioritise intimacy with Him above everything else?

God is drawing a line, not to divide for the sake of division, but to call His people into maturity, clarity, and wholehearted devotion. The invitation is there and the Militant Bride garments have been released. It is time for the remnant to rise!

(c) Donna Abraham 23 March 2026″

For more from Donna:

https://propheticcanvas.blogspot.com/2026/03/the-militant-bride.html

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Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Faith for Signs and Wonders

We are in End Times

I think we are in End Times. So, we need to be ready for a very large number of people waking up to the reality of Jesus for the first time, and a lot of other people asking questions. In other words, it’s Harvest Time! And so we need to be ready for the Harvest. 

In Matthew 9:37, Jesus is recorded as saying, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” What did He mean?

The Harvest is the gathering of souls who will go to heaven (or hell), if they have come to accept Jesus, becoming born again (or have not). (John 3:3) 

And what comes with the Harvest?

Signs and wonders are a part of the Harvest. Jesus operated in the miraculous and many came to faith through those miracles. He said greater things would we do (John 14:12) and so, don’t we need to get on with it? Now!?

Signs and wonders get people’s attention

And what is needed for signs and wonders to be manifested? People to be anointed, full of faith, and ready to work in signs and wonders. 

And who are the people? You and me! Believers whom GOD wants to use to draw in those who do not yet know Him.

Jesus operated in signs and wonders while He walked the earth. He said we will too (John 14:12)

Now, we are Jesus’ representatives. We are the anointed. So, we need to be ready to operate in signs and wonders. And what do we need? Faith!!

Faith to operate in signs and wonders

Hebrews 11 tells us that by faith Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses…. All these acted from faith. And so can we. So must we!

In order to work in signs and wonders, in order to heal the sick and deliver the bound, we need to believe the LORD can, the LORD will do it. We need Faith to heal and to deliver.

Mark 11:24 says, 

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

‘Seeing is believing’. So as we allow ourselves to hope, we can imagine in our minds and in our hearts that the LORD will heal as we humbly ask Him. As we Believe it, hope for it, and pray, and it can come to pass by the grace of GOD and the power of Holy Spirit.

If it means you need a renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2), in order to operate this way, then ask the LORD to renew your mind. He will! He did it for me; He can do it for you.

“Faith is GOD’s currency for the impossible!” (Tobi Arayomi) Hold on to that! 

Let’s get to it!

Let’s pray! Let’s surrender to Him. Let’s ready ourselves, and believe what GOD can do.

Then, let’s get ready to move mountains as the LORD leads. As people cross our paths who need His help, let’s be bold and be ready. We are in the time of the biggest harvest of all time.


I believe it is time to shift!

It is time to step out in faith when we are prompted. It isn’t the time to hold back but to pray, get close to GOD, and see what He will do in and through you and me.

GOD bless you as you:

Meditate on His Word.

Seek His will and His timing.

Pray and prepare.

And see what GOD can do!

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Politics and Society today

Satan’s Dominance

Satan’s Dominance

Satan seeks to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10a). That is Satan’s rule.

Peter tells us to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

The devil plants ideas, rooted in hatred. His emphasis is on hatred toward GOD and toward His Chosen People, the Jews. He hates GOD and anything precious to GOD. And he wants to ensure Jesus will never return… That is why Israel must be destroyed, to prevent Jesus’ return, because Jesus will only return to Isreal. So, no Israel = no return of Jesus.

Satan has a tool he is using to destroy Israel — geographically, physically. He has failed to destroy the people; now he seeks to destroy the nation.

Jeremiah 16:16 says, “Behold, I will send for many fishermen,” says the Lord, “and they shall fish them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain and every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.”

Satan is the chief of hunters but Islam, I believe, is one of the End Time methodologies for Satan. Jihadists are the hunters in human form — the hunters who seek to devour the Jews… and the Christians, and anything or anyone that is against Islam and against the devil.

Muslims or Islam?

I am confident that Muslims are innocent, faithful people who want to do right by their families, their god and their society. 

The true Islamists: those who follow the final chapters of the Koran, are at the mercy of the devil, however, who will rule through Islam wherever or whenever he can penetrate it.

Caviat: Not all religions are good and not all who practice religion are good. I’m not talking about the individual people but about the ideologies practiced. Some are a blessing. Radical Islam is not.

Satan’s strategy

Satan’s goal is to rule the world. He is at the root of One World Religion. Islam is evangelistic with followers who believe to honour Allah all the world must turn to Islam. Satan will use this to entrap those who do not follow Islam and who do not follow him. Anything that seeks to usurp Jesus is satanic and certainly the god of this world wants anything rather than Jesus to take hold over any society.

I’m very pro-GOD. Allah is not GOD, the Creator of the Universe. In Biblcial days, the Arabs accepted the truth of the Creator of the Universe. Although they did not have the same relationship with GOD as did the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, GOD nevertheless recognised and promised to Ishmael, and his mother Hagar called Him “the GOD who sees.” (Genesis 16:13) But Allah is not this same GOD.

The move of Islam

The World financial system is partially sold out to Islam now. Islam wants complete control. Hence, it has sought and achieved influence over institutions around the world. It has infiltrated universities in the West. It has purchased property across the West; it buys valuable land in major cities. Mosques are built where there are no muslims… then the muslims gravitate there. 

Islam pays into education systems and then indoctrinates the students. 

Islam distorts and changes cultures from within, through re-population, block voting and cultural determination, to overrule the pre-existing culture.

The only barrier to Satan’s control through Islam is Israel, both geopolitically and in arms. The world, and people who are vulnerable to Satan’s will and control, will turn against Israel as pawns to the Satanic plot to overthrow Judeo-Christian culture and values. It has already begun.

Unknown by millions of Muslims, to worship Allah is to worship Satan.

The Arabs — through whom Islam originated — once recognised the GOD of Creation

Hagar called Him the GOD who sees. He promised that her son Ishmael would be the forefather of 12 tribes. GOD was true to His word. These were the Arab nations.

“Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” (Genesis 16:13)

Muhammad was distracted

But through Muhammad and his Koran, a new religion was formed. The GOD of Islam is Not the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, nor even the GOD of Abraham and Ishmael. Allah was not the GOD of the Canaanite tribes.

Allah is the god of this world: Satan. He is now conspicuously taking over the land, city by city and nation by nation, through propaganda and prayer. He did this in parts of Africa and parts of Asia. Europe and the West are the final challenge and he has — or is well on the way — to dominating Europe.

Stop Islam

The Gospel is the hope for each nation. Jesus will defeat the enemy by saving Islamic souls. Our call is to pray, to evangelise, to trust GOD and to grow, to disciple and to repel the enemy, Satan. People are not the enemy. Satan is “the thief” who “does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Satan has no original thought. He can be defeated. GOD knows the beginning from the end. And we are called to pray, to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith (2 Timothy 4:7) 

And so let us not get discouraged, nor grow weary with doing good. (Galatians 6:9)

GOD wins! 

Many Believers will suffer along the way. But our eternity is secure. 

And let us not fear for ultimately, “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10)

Satan is at the root of anti-Semitism. He is at the root of a One World Religion. Satan does seek to destroy. But he fails and he will fail.

Pray for our nation to be saved

Satan seeks to take the nations, one by one. But he can fail to take many nations. Jesus will come to Judge the sheep nations and the goat nations. (Ezekiel 34:17) The time is now!

We can pray that our nation is a sheep nation, that our nation rejects Islam, that our nation embraces the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob: the GOD who sees and loves and embraces all who earnestly seek Him.

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Politics and Society today

Banking: An End Times sign

Banking surprise!

I went online to access my bank account and low and behold, sign in requirements have changed!

Hmm. Are personal banking and finance mechanisms an End Times sign?

First, I checked to ensure this was genuinely the work of my bank and not a scammer intercepting my account. Yes, it was my bank that made the change in procedure. And they “encouraged” me to use an App. Nope! I don’t do banking on my mobile phone.

Push, push, push. The great re-set is well and truly “in motion” (and has been for a while! Have a look at Jack Gibbs and Charlie Kirk in conversation (obviously recorded a while ago) and skim through to dissect their info on the re-set re banking…

So, what am I on about today? 

We are being squeezed to conform, being persuaded to give more and more of our personal information away and to jump through more and more hoops in order to access our money. 

Digital ID

Digital ID is being made law under the UK government — for now it’s for anyone who wants to work. By Digital ID the UK government means all a person’s information is on a card that is digitised with national insurance, nfs information, even a passport included as information. It is claimed that it is a means to simplify our lives. However, opponents believe this is an invasive move and the first step to having all our information available to the government — potentially to be abused, and vulnerable to hacking.

Coincidentally, Apple…

Apple is using the same term for users just to apply an App to your iPhone to buy Apple “stuff”: digital id. Hmm.

GOD is never the author of confusion. But these two concepts using the same terminology is bound to create confusion.

Money

“The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.” (2 Timothy 6:10)

So, who is loving our money?

We need to find our own ways to store livelihood. For some, it may mean keeping cash. For others it may be buying gold or silver as literal “hard currency”). For others it may mean super-gardening, burying money rather than our heads in the sand.

Is this the Mark of the Beast?

I don’t think we know where we are in the time line for the Mark of the Beast. But the ability to buy and sell is going to be tightened as prophecy suggests; we can see it even as we live and breathe today. We are heading in the direction of a highly-controlling government-accessing our personal information through their systems.

“… and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” (Revelation 13:17)

BUT DO NOT FEAR

Change is as certain as death and taxes:)

But we aren’t to be afraid. The author and finisher of our faith has give us warnings:

“‘The fourth beast shall be

A fourth kingdom on earth,

Which shall be different from all other kingdoms,

And shall devour the whole earth,

Trample it and break it in pieces.

The ten horns are ten kings

Who shall arise from this kingdom.

And another shall rise after them;

He shall be different from the first ones,

And shall subdue three kings.

He shall speak pompous words against the Most High,

Shall persecute the saints of the Most High

And shall intend to change times and law.

Then the saints shall be given into his hand

For a time and times and half a time.” (Daniel 7:23-25)

And

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” (Revelation 13:11-17)

Conclusion:

I’ve written this to act as a warning as I feel an internal check, a warning, when a simple thing like my online banking sign-in changed… just a little. 

What’s the warning? For me, it seems the instruction is to: 

‘Hold on. Be wise. Be alert. Be prayerful.’ Times they are a-changing! Watch and pray!

Blessings,

Sarah

Categories
Politics and Society today

Will Western Society survive?

What is going on in our Western Society?

Will Western society survive?

Herein lies a Hope with a Word of Warning…

Western society is based upon Judeo-Christian values, developed from the Bible and the Ten Commandments.

But we have three movements working against Judeo-Christian values and beliefs: Cultural Marxism, Wokism, and Islam.

Yes, there is a real and intentional threat. Nevertheless, have no fear! However dark it seems, these forces will not triumph, and here’s why…

Communism & Wokism allied with Islam will ultimately collapse because the alliance will divide against itself. Simply, a house divided against itself will fall. It is a spiritual principle that stands the test of time.

“And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. So it was, when the demon had gone out, that the mute spoke; and the multitudes marvelled. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” Others, testing Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven. But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls. If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armour in which he trusted, and divides his spoils. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” (Luke 11:14-23)

Principles of Cultural Marxism

The aim of Cultural Marxism is to destroy Judeo-Christian values through a long erosion process, whittling away the existing values and culture, and replacing established democratic laws — in the name of Marxism. However, Marxism has itself been proven to be destructive, autocratic and life destroying (remember Communism in USSR, Viet Nam, and China?).

Marxism is anti-GOD, anti-family and anti-personal industry.

Principles of Wokism

Diversity, Equity (not Equality) and Inclusion are the key principles of Wokism. I’ve observed the fall of Western society over recent decades as these principles have been imposed upon society. Society has become divergent, hostile, more violent, less law abiding. Wokism is divisive, judgmental, and it is simply not helping society to prosper.

“You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16) The fruit of Wokism has been confusion and depression, authoritarianism and aggression.

Have a look online at Triggernometry, Douglas Murray, GBNews, and all sorts of other sources on YouTube, if you’re unfamiliar with the roots and branches of Wokism.

Communism allied with Wokism

Communism began as a theory in the 1800’s. Cultural Marxism has been germinating and is now full blown in many Western countries. Is is extremely liberal in its ideology and morality, and acute socialism says everyone is financially equal (in principle)… though some are more equal than others (in practice).

Wokism is a moral push to no biological boundaries — except that white (aka caucasian) is bad and colour is good.

Enter: Islam

Steeped in tradition and ancient culture of the 6th century, Islam is based upon the Koran and its scribe, the warmonger Mohammad. First a lover of the People of the Book (Jews, Christians), he changed his mind and called for the killing of Jews and Christians. Islam is legalistic, morally strict and an obvious opposite to Wokism and Marxism in morality.

One brilliant source of information about Islam in the West is Douglas Murray, and he’s all over the internet. I recommend The Strange Death of Europe as a good read to start.

Republic of Iran

An alliance between Islamists and Marxists has happened before. It arose in the 1970’s before the Shah of Iran was overthrown. When the new authority came into power, the Islamists murdered “the other half”. 

The Islamists killed the Marxists and took over the whole country. The government Iran has now grew from the government of the 1970’s revolution.

Western society’s meltdown

As we see the West imploding under the trend of Wokism, we are actually experiencing the deliberate destruction of the Judeo-Christian culture and traditions of the West. This culture has been the West’s bedrock for centuries, but is contrary to Wokism. 

Next, enter Islam to hasten on the destruction! I remember in the 1990’s the gradual infiltration of Muslim culture in the UK and could see the future being swamped by it. Thirty years later, here we are under regular threat from Jihadist Extremism!

A word of warning

Islam will triumph unless it is deliberately thwarted. Nothing will stop it, although it may implode when it battles with it’s own ally: Marxism.

Enter GOD with His praying people

Whatever is to come, there are two truths that will withstand any barbarism or any political movement: Israel will stand the test of time and Jesus will stand beyond time itself.

Your mission as part of GOD’s church

So, what is your mission today? To find your purpose in all of this will be vital to help us to overcome the threat to our Judeo-Christian values.

Whatever you are called to do, whatever your purpose is, for all of us, a part of it is to pray.

So, let’s pray: for the Peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122) and for GOD’s will to be done (Matthew 6).

Jesus wins, in the end

The Lord will return to judge the earth. Satan will be thrown into outer darkness forever. But the process can take a lot of time, depending — I think — upon our prayers and our ministry to others, here in the West.

Categories
Politics and Society today

Digital ID Danger

MP Rupert Lowe says it clearly and I have nothing to add:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/831567452967594

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Guest Posts

Chris Wickland — Storm on the Horizon

By: Pastor Chris Wickland

A Storm on the Horizon: A Warning for Britain and Europe

Across Britain and Europe, a sense of unease has begun to take shape among those who watch cultural and spiritual trends closely. The impression is that a turbulent season may be approaching—deep unrest, social fracture, and the shaking of long-trusted institutions.

This emerging picture suggests that Britain is heading toward a period of intense upheaval. The language used by those who perceive these shifts is stark: a clash of worlds, a season marked by chaos, discipline, and reckoning. Many foresee the possibility of armed conflict, accompanied by economic decline and governmental instability. Even established churches that have abandoned historic Christian teaching appear vulnerable to collapse.

What lies ahead is described as a great humbling—a tightening spiral of disorder within the nation. Internal conflict is anticipated, not quite to the level of civil war yet still marked by violence on the streets. Some foresee an Islamic uprising contributing to the unrest, adding another layer of confusion and volatility.

Yet within this bleak scenario, a surprising countercurrent emerges. Alongside turmoil comes the expectation of spiritual renewal. Many believe that, in such a climate, large numbers will turn to Christ, seeking hope and clarity. New leaders—spiritual, prophetic, and political—are thought to be preparing quietly in the background, ready to step forward when the pressure reaches a breaking point. Voices now dismissed or opposed may become the very ones offering guidance when chaos descends.

Observers draw comparisons to the magnitude of the Second World War: enemies within and enemies without. They envision the unravelling of economic systems, political structures, and even elements of the monarchy. Anything firmly set against historic Christian belief appears increasingly fragile in the face of what may be coming.

Some recall the old pattern from Jeremiah’s day—warnings dismissed until the moment they arrive. Yet many who study the signs speak of acceleration. The year 2026 is increasingly viewed as a potential turning point, a year that may define Britain’s direction for decades to come.

There is also a broader geopolitical dimension. Certain rising nations may act as instruments of judgment against Europe and Britain for moral failures and for violence against the innocent. In the midst of such pressure, the Church is expected to undergo a transformation—becoming courageous, clear-sighted, and unafraid. Traditional methods of communication may no longer be sufficient for the complexity of the age, prompting the emergence of bold, clarion-like voices offering hope and direction.

Responsibility is laid at the feet of both Church and state. The Church is critiqued for embracing worldliness, neglecting prayer, and ignoring the signs of the times. Political leaders are faulted for pursuing destructive ideological agendas. A severe economic collapse is widely expected—one that strips the nation of confidence and self-reliance.

And yet, the longer view still carries hope. After the shaking, Britain is envisioned turning again toward the light, recovering a moral and spiritual centre. Many also anticipate that significant numbers within the Muslim community will come to faith in Christ. Fresh leadership—both spiritual and civic—will rise, guiding the nation through its darkest chapter and toward renewal.

Whatever shape these developments ultimately take, the message is consistent: great trouble may be approaching, but with it could come great clarity, great courage, and a deep turning of hearts. The storm ahead is severe, yet the possibility of renewal lies within it.

Chris Wickland 2025

Categories
Politics and Society today

Jesus the Restrainer

We’re champing at the bit 

It feels like the nation is on the brink of riots.

But violence has (mostly) been restrained.

It’s Jesus, restraining the spirit of aggression and violence which is just at the tip of society. Jesus is the restrainer, and we need Him to hold back the evil, that’s for sure!

I was at a peaceful march recently. Thousands of people meeting peacefully, marching peacefully, calling out for an end to hatred. The police on the sidelines were alert and yet relaxed. The atmosphere was intense but calm. The march was a serious matter, and yet there was no attack, no accusation, no aggression.

But there are other marches which are full of aggression and tension, full of accusation and suspicion, full of hatred toward those who disagree with their point of view. 

One MP has been quoted as saying those who carry the Union Jack flag are “bad people”. That’s very unhelpful, I think. It reminds me of Hilary Clinton in 2016, who claimed those who supported Donald Trump were a “basket of deplorables”. Well, history has shown us how that was received by the masses of people who disagreed with her politics. 

And what of those who carry flags of other nations, where terrorists rule? Are people who are carrying those flags bad? Or is it only bad to carry your own nation’s flag? How silly to say such a thing (if the MP did make this comment). I guess that makes me a bad person too, since I have the Union Jack draping from my house.

The reality is, the political climate in the UK is tense right now, and increasingly so. There are marches every weekend, sometimes on both a Saturday and Sunday. And sometimes there is more than one march on a day, with the same destination of Parliament Square, London.

Yes, things are tense.

And so we need to pray. I mean, really pray! 

We need to be desperate. We are running out of time.

We need to pick up our Bibles, and pray prayers of peace from the Psalms, prayers of hope and restoration from Isaiah, prayers of lamination and regret. We need to repent of our own lack of prayer (I know I do!) and engage with GOD, praying scripture and following the Spirit. Word + Spirit can bring change because GOD can bring change, through His Word and through His Spirit.

Jesus is holding back the evil that is encroaching 

But the nation needs to seek GOD’s mercy, grace and truth. The people of this nation, beginning with His church but extending beyond, need to ask for GOD’s mercy, repent of our own wilful and wicked ways, ask forgiveness and thank Him even before we see the evidence. 

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

A Growing Church

Young men and women are treading the welcome matt!

Pentecostal-Charismatic and Catholic Church attendance — the two ends of the spectrum you could say — has shot up! And most if its growth is coming from the youngest of English and Welsh citizens. The church in the UK is growing!

We have a growing church in the UK

Wow! When I first heard this (and even from major news outlets), I was incredulous. Media and attitudes in the street would appear to suggest this to be impossible. Isn’t it wonderful to learn there is hunger for Truth in the UK? 

On the one hand it is sad to know that youth have become so desperate: desperately sad, desperately depressed, desperately hopeless, anxious and despairing. 

But it is wonderful and amazing that they — particularly young men, and within the young black male populous it is half of them — are turning to the LORD. Hallelujah!

What to do with this

This is a first step of victory. 

After years of decline, after years of pain, after years of prayer, a quiet revival in church attendance is happening. Now we need to buckle down. 

This is not only a  time to celebrate, although celebration is important to be had! This is also the time to encourage our youth in the church, and to build them up, to mentor them, teaching them responsibility and giving them the opportunity to grow in character.  It’s important for all of us to keep moving forward, to keep teaching and mentoring, and to keep focusing on the Word. 

We are all to be in the world but not of it.

What is Jesus doing?

As the old song says, “I will build my church (I will build my church), and the gates of hell (and the gates of hell), will not prevail (will not prevail) against it!”

Jesus began to build His church through choosing 12, then came 70, then… thousands followed Him. And He said He would build His church. 

And He did.

But then came Constantine, and Roman power — with faith… Then came the Catholic Church… which began from the Word of GOD but morphed into nothing like Jesus’ church. And we — and He — have been waiting ever since.

Is Jesus now finally building His church?

I hope so. It should look nothing like the structures we’ve had. But it should be full of love, joy, peace, unity, camaraderie, family, giving, more joy, worship, prayer, repentance and more love.

I hope and pray this is the beginning of the middle of Jesus’ church, left off from 350AD (or thereabouts).

Revival come! And let it begin with our youth… And include you and me.

Categories
Politics and Society today Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Why Pray? (something to share with others)

I recently had the honour to lead a session for a local prayer group. On my heart was to merge the local with the national and even the international concerns. How can a small group of people in an English town dare to speak into international politics? And why would we?

Why Pray?

The nation and the world are in a bit of a mess, yes?

How do we get out of the mess when governments and media are shouting and opposition from other people are shouting, yet nothing seems to change for the better. That’s a good reason to pray isn’t it? 

Man isn’t achieving, so perhaps it’s timely to ask for help. 

The Bible says,

2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

That’s the first reason we pray: there is a need and there is a Helper who instructs us on what to do when our nation needs healing.

Does the nation need healing?

Let’s see. We have people crying out against the Prime Minister, saying “Two tier Keir” enables “two tier policing”, preferring those in favour of Palestine and people who push liberal values such as climate change, but clamping down rather harshly on those who attempt to protect or even apply the nation’s traditional Judeo-Christian values. 

We have no growth in the economy, with fewer people working and more people on benefits than ever before. 

We have a failing health service that used to be the model for the world. An education system that favours those with the lowest potential and seems to stifle or suppress excellence is what seems to be emerging from the current government. 

There seems to be a lot of confusion over biology and psychology. And there is an awful lot of fear which seems to be what propels ideas and agendas which, I would say, neither make us healthier, happier, nor more prosperous or peaceful.

And we’re simply running out of peace and money.

Yes, on the scale I’d say we are a country in troubling times.

So, what do we do to make things better?

We don’t complain. We don’t watch. Instead, we pray and lend a helping hand.

What — or whom do we pray for?

First, we pray for our leaders: the king, the prime minister, the federal government, our local government, our local community and our families, homes and friends.

It doesn’t matter your politics or whether you’re pro-monarchy or a republican. Right now, the leaders are who they are. Pray for them to have sound minds, free from corruption. Pray that they will make sound decisions that will benefit the people. Pray that they will not be unduly influenced by their own opinions or their own desires. Pray for favour of GOD upon them. And then watch to see what happens!

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life…” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

What if we doubt?

So, what?! What else can be effective? ‘If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem’ is an old adage I am quite happy to support.

“The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16b)

Cancel what you don’t like!

Whatever doesn’t sit right with you, whether it’s posters advertising something you find abhorrent, or a policy which seems counter to your common sense, pray! You can make mountain-moving prayers which GOD can use! And if He agrees with your prayer, He will do what you’ve asked.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

We are praying against forces, not people

Whatever you may understand now, we are praying against forces we can’t see. I call it demonic. You might call it group hysteria or mis-information, or something else still, but we are praying beyond the people we see in power. And so, share what you want to pray with GOD: He whom I call Jehovah GOD, Creator of the Universe; just share your concerns, and wait, watch to see what happens next. I don’t believe there are coincidences but I do believe in answers to prayer.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Share your heart

Prayer can be as private, as intimate, as you decide to make it. And so, you can pour out your heart, sharing your deepest concerns. Get it off your chest, so-to-speak. 

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

What is we don’t pray?

If we stand together, praying for right thinking and right action, things will change. If we don’t pray, in what direction do you think this nation will go? 

Call to action

So, let’s pray for the sake of the nation and its people, for the national and international circumstances. Pray if you believe. Pray even if you don’t. Yes, we need action. The safest first action is to pray for health, wholeness, peace in the nations, and then ask, “What can I do to make things better?”

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Squabbles and Spiritual Significance: Trump V Zelenskyy

If this content isn’t spiritually driven, then it is a meaningless opinion piece

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the [a]holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:31)

I am not a prophet. I’ve said this before. But I am a watchman. Sometimes I see in the spiritual dimension what I think is obvious to anyone, but it proves not to be so obvious. So, I’m going to share what I see in the squabble between JD Vance, Donald Trump and President Zelensky of Ukraine. It is something I’ve not read or heard from anyone else yet…

Squabbles and Spiritual Significance

If you watched on Friday 28th February, or looked up on line afterward, Vladimir Zelenskyy was hosted by the Trump administration at the White House. 

The Oval Office meeting commenced in good faith and with courtesy, but it spiralled into a verbal slinging match which, in due course, British newspapers classified as a bully session (DT and JDV) against a hero (VZ).

Here’s my take

JD Vance bluntly said that Zelensky was ungrateful and should be thankful for the US help. 

Zelensky, in exchange, highlighted that without support towards Ukraine, the US would “feel” repercussions eventually. 

President Trump then launched into a verbal attack saying, ‘You can’t say that; it isn’t true,’ and ‘if you’re not careful, you’re going to trigger WWIII’. (Not direct quotations)

That’s the sum of the argument as I see it. All the rest is petty distraction.

Spiritually speaking

As president of a nation, Trump was protecting the US from a curse. For me, it is as simple as that. And I agree entirely with his action to refute the Ukrainian president’s claim. It’s his job to protect the US and he did that, in spades.

For me, it is very simple. No conspiracy here, no infighting there. No personality analysis, or body language analysis, and no hero-worship anywhere in my sight. Just a simple spiritual dynamic verbalised.

Prayer

We pray for peace in Ukraine, we pray for peace between the US and Europe and between the US and Ukraine. We pray for the souls of each of the nations and pray, “Jesus, use this to draw more people to the Truth of who You are and that You are coming soon to judge the earth, to separate sheep from goats, and to deliver those who love you, Amen.”

“… before the LORD. For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth.” (Psalm 96:13)

Categories
Politics and Society today

Living during the End

Society has collapsed. It seems we are living in a period of decline, decay, decadence… and it is demoralising. 

I think we are living during the end

I am not writing this to be depressing but to bring us to a better understanding that the LORD has lifted His favour from our society and we are experiencing the result. 

We repent, and we pray for the repentance of others, and for GOD’s favour to return. 

The Church’s involvement

‘If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.’ This seems to be the interpretation of some denominational and church leaders these days: Get alongside people by endorsing their ungodly behaviour. Show them acceptance because that equates to love.

I don’t agree.

Love is kind, love does not keep a record of wrongs. (I Corinthians 13) But we must love the LORD our GOD with all our heart, soul, mind and strength… and love our neighbour as ourself. (Luke 10:27) We need to love GOD first, put Him first, and then allow His love to flow to others. Loving GOD is not to make a mockery of His values and principles, His morality. And so, I believe we need to love in a way that draws hearts, minds and behaviour toward Jesus, who forgave and said, “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11)

The Church must get involved

As the morality in our society deteriorates, the Church must stand apart. We who are committed to Jesus must repent on our society’s behalf, write to MPs, lobby government, pray-pray-pray, make ourselves available for those seeking answers.

1 Peter 3:15 says, “… always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear”.

Politics and Church must meet

I don’t mean that preachers need to tell their congregations how to vote, like the Muslim Imams do. I mean that preachers need to speak plainly and boldly about the times we’re in, the cost of following Jesus, and the value of standing for Him and with Him in these darkening times.

No compromise

As much as possible, we are called to pray and to obey — to pray for the rulers and to obey their laws. But we also have the responsibility to stand up for GOD’s values, principles and the Judeo-Christian roots of our Western Society so that collectively, we do not succumb to the opposing forces who are against love, justice and truth.

So, let’s begin to pray

Let’s pray for GOD’s favour upon us, for His mercy and His grace to forgive and to teach us. Let’s pray for our realisation that we need Him desperately and let us ask Him to fill the earth with His glory, His presence, His power and His love.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Chaos at Pentecost

Pentecost has just passed (although in the Jewish calendar it will come on 11th June).

In our world, sirens blaze, war is all around. There is chaos at Pentecost. 

What shall we do?

The West has imploded

Bombs are going off in Ukraine and Israel, political war is throughout the West; US and UK campuses have young people wanting to overcome the established government. Far right Islamic extremists are threatening Christians and claiming, “We have taken over” from the shops and street markets of London. Paris has had various torching in churches and elsewhere. And I could go on….

Still we go on even though the West is at war with itself.

But GOD

Recently a friend asked me if I thought we could regain / reclaim our society. Upon reflection I think not. We might have a bit of an ebb-and-flow, but I think the West as we’ve known it for a few hundred years is now essentially gone. My friend thinks our culture hangs in the balance. We’ll watch, we’ll see how things unfold.

We pray, “LORD GOD, Your will be done on earth as in heaven!”

Our LORD is always and ever in charge. As citizens, humanity reaps what it sows; yet He has paid the ultimate cost of sacrifice. He is ever-victorious, even if we suffer the consequences of kicking His word out of our schools and institutions, and of breaking His laws one after another.

Overcome chaos

It is time now to consider: is the end of life as we know it in sight? 

We in the West may continue to live a high lifestyle for a while. But as the billionaires grow in number, the poverty-stricken do also. Without huge intervention, the Judeo Christian roots that provided sound leadership in the West seems lost. 

The Middle Classes were temporary, an anomaly, and they are dwindling in number and authority. Through democracy, the people held the power, but it is all but illusion now. If anarchy doesn’t destroy democracy, war or Islamic fundamentalism or AI may. We are on a collision course with self destruction, unless something extraordinary happens.

But GOD can do extraordinary things!

But it isn’t doom and gloom we dwell on

Jesus is alive. Revival is coming. Put your boots, coats and hats on. Be ready to share the Gospel. And pray. Pray and worship in every season, day and night, alone and in fellowship. 

GOD is with us, will be with us, forevermore.

Categories
Politics and Society today

Joel 2 and why it matters right now

The Day of the Lord

Chapter 2:

Blow the trumpet in Zion,
And sound an alarm in My holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble;
For the day of the Lord is coming,
For it is at hand:

2 

A day of darkness and gloominess,
A day of clouds and thick darkness,
Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains.
A people come, great and strong,
The like of whom has never been;
Nor will there ever be any such after them,
Even for many successive generations.

3 

A fire devours before them,
And behind them a flame burns;
The land is like the Garden of Eden before them,
And behind them a desolate wilderness;
Surely nothing shall escape them.

4 

Their appearance is like the appearance of horses;
And like swift steeds, so they run.

5 

With a noise like chariots
Over mountaintops they leap,
Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble,
Like a strong people set in battle array.

6 

Before them the people writhe in pain;
All faces are drained of color.

7 

They run like mighty men,
They climb the wall like men of war;
Every one marches in formation,
And they do not break ranks.

8 

They do not push one another;
Every one marches in his own column.
Though they lunge between the weapons,
They are not cut down.

9 

They run to and fro in the city,
They run on the wall;
They climb into the houses,
They enter at the windows like a thief.

10 

The earth quakes before them,
The heavens tremble;
The sun and moon grow dark,
And the stars diminish their brightness.

11 

The Lord gives voice before His army,
For His camp is very great;
For strong is the One who executes His word.
For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible;
Who can endure it?

12 

“Now, therefore,” says the Lord,
“Turn to Me with all your heart,
With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”

13 

So rend your heart, and not your garments;
Return to the Lord your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm.

14 

Who knows if He will turn and relent,
And leave a blessing behind Him—
A grain offering and a drink offering
For the Lord your God?

15 

Blow the trumpet in Zion,
Consecrate a fast,
Call a sacred assembly;

16 

Gather the people,
Sanctify the congregation,
Assemble the elders,
Gather the children and nursing babes;
Let the bridegroom go out from his chamber,
And the bride from her dressing room.

17 

Let the priests, who minister to the Lord,
Weep between the porch and the altar;
Let them say, “Spare Your people, O Lord,
And do not give Your heritage to reproach,
That the nations should [g]rule over them.
Why should they say among the peoples,
‘Where is their God?’ ”

18 

Then the Lord will be zealous for His land,
And pity His people.

19 

The Lord will answer and say to His people,
“Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil,
And you will be satisfied by them;
I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations.

20 

“But I will remove far from you the northern army,
And will drive him away into a barren and desolate land,
With his face toward the eastern sea
And his back toward the western sea;
His stench will come up,
And his foul odour will rise,
Because he has done monstrous things.”

21 

Fear not, O land;
Be glad and rejoice,
For the Lord has done marvelous things!

22 

Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field;
For the open pastures are springing up,
And the tree bears its fruit;
The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.

23 

Be glad then, you children of Zion,
And rejoice in the Lord your God;
For He has given you the former rain faithfully,
And He will cause the rain to come down for you—
The former rain,
And the latter rain in the first month.

24 

The threshing floors shall be full of wheat,
And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil.

25 

“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,
The crawling locust,
The consuming locust,
And the chewing locust,
My great army which I sent among you.

26 

You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
And praise the name of the Lord your God,
Who has dealt wondrously with you;
And My people shall never be put to shame.

27 

Then you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel:
I am the Lord your God
And there is no other.
My people shall never be put to shame.

28 

“And it shall come to pass afterward
That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions.

29 

And also on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

30 

“And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth:
Blood and fire and pillars of smoke.

31 

The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.

32 

And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.
For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance,
As the Lord has said,
Among the remnant whom the Lord calls

My brief comment

In a recent prayer meeting, my pastor read this Joel 2 in entirety. His message was simple: we can dwell on the pouring out of Holy Spirit referred to in verses 28-29 but in context the picture is far more complete.

We need to prepare!

We need to recognise the signs: the consequences of sin, fast and pray, repent, blow the shofar, and call upon the name of the LORD.

Then He will come with His mercy, truth, forgiveness and grace.

Come Lord Jesus

Prepare us and be with us, guide us and lead this nation back to you.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

No Time to Waste

A Time to Celebrate

I was at the Royal Albert Hall in London UK this past weekend for the Prom Praise 2024 concert, an annual event for Christians to celebrate together, worshipping Jesus. It was great fun and a delight to worship the Lord in a secular venue with lots of other Christians.

There was a particular moment when the LORD’s presence became palpable; it was a beautiful moment sparking an extended blessed time in the auditorium. Then another moment came where I had a strong sense that there is very little time left for the nation to repent. I wept.

A Time for Repentance

What has the nation to repent for? 

Has the UK not turned from GOD — taking Him out of school assembly, passing laws which are contrary to Biblical principles, raising up other gods and practising idolatry?

No Time to Waste

It’s time to pray. To my mind, we have a small window to draw people to the LORD, to pray for our society, before something… War? Rapture? Western decline in finance as it has declined in morality?… And is their a collapse, a fall or a takeover coming? Is it inevitable or can it be averted, like the Ninevites who avoided the catastrophe that Jonah warned them of? (Jonah 3)

Something is about to happen which will shift life for us in the West hugely. But we don’t know what it is.

I do not have a prophetic edge on what is coming. However, I’m not convinced Britain is going to avoid the consequences of rebellion against GOD which began in the 1960s. We pray — and we must pray — for our families, our communities. However, I do not know that GOD is going to relent. We may be passed the point of no return. I do not know.

And that is why I’m calling for prayer: Earnest heartfelt prayer. Nonstop prayer. Dedicated prayer.

“If my people who are by my name will humble themselves and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear them from Heaven, and forgive their sin, and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

“The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)

This is a call to prayer, now.

Let’s be still. Let’s get on our knees (or whatever position you are accustomed to take), pray, and seek GOD as to what to pray. 

Then let’s pray and follow as GOD leads whatever direction He then gives to us. 

This is a must, for us all. A tsunami is coming. Maybe it can be diverted, maybe it can be transposed. Maybe not. 

What I do know is it’s time to pray without ceasing! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

“The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)

Categories
Politics and Society today

Prophetic Signs

Chris Wickland for 24.04.24

On 24th of April, 3 remarkable things happened in the UK.

Horses bolted

Five military horses, well-trained, well-disciplined: 4 black, 1 white, bolted in terror caused by noise from a nearby construction sight in Central London (was it in Horseguards Parade?). Some ran 6 km through the streets. At least one was injured, blood covering the white horse’s chest and front legs. A prophetic sign.

Revelations 6 talks about the 4 horses of the Apocalypse. The first is white, and Jesus rides the horse. Well, a white horse bearing a blood-stained chest is surely a prophetic sign, a warning that the wrath is to come, or Jesus in His glory is to come, or we are simply being warned we need to remember the sacrifice of the Messiah during this Passover.

Will you listen to a prophecy from Chris Wickland which resonates with me above.

Big Ben Stopped and then…

On the same morning these horses bolted, Big Ben, not far from Horseguards Parade, stopped. The clock in the Elizabeth Tower which has had millions poured into its refurbishment just suddenly stopped at 9am! About an hour later, around 10am it was re-started. However, when it chimed, it rang 11 bells at the 10th hour. My first thought when I learned this: I thought of the day GOD stopped the sun for 24 hours while Joshua did battle.

Do you know the chime of Big Ben is based upon part of Handel’s Messiah and there are long-established lyrics to the chime? The lyrics are,

“All through this hour, LORD be my guide.

That by Thy power, no foot shall slide.”

Wow! 

Dates

These events in London, England occurred on 24.04.24.

Saint Georges Day for England and the Passover for Isreal were the day before.

Do I need to expand upon the possible reasons Big Ben stopped and the horses bolted? I shall add my thoughts of the possible prophetic significance of this…

A hearing against 2 committed Christians was heard

And on this same day, 24th April 2024, when chaos was arising in London, even moreso there was chaos in Northern Ireland because a high profile Christian couple were facing very serious charges. Scapegoats I should think.

These days of violence, aggression, suffering where time stopped!

While in London UK pro-Palestinian protests become more intense and anti-Jewish sentiment is multiplying exponentially, highly trained horses bolt, and the clock of all clocks stops short; while people attack and hurl insults at a pre-trial hearing where innocent until proven guilty seems to be a tradition of the past; while fear seems to have gripped the politicians and the people flounder leaderless: the decline of the UK  seems to run unabated and in fact accelerates.

These are the signs of the times

Read Daniel and Revelation. Yes all of it!

Be still before the LORD. Yes, still.

Trust in the GOD of GOD’. Yes, trust.

And ask: LORD, What shall I do?

Be still and know that I am GOD (Psalm 46:10)

We need to be still: We need to wait upon the LORD to renew our strength. (Isaiah 40:31)

We need to trust the LORD. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

We need to prepare, to be ready as the wise virgins were. (Matthew 25)

And we need to ask, “LORD, what shall I do?”

Shalom and the the shalom of GOD rest upon you.

Categories
Politics and Society today

Earth is Groaning

The turmoil around the world today gives me the sense that the earth is groaning.

There is war and there are rumours of wars. Holy war seems to be burning within some Muslims bringing fear across the globe. 

Nature has been groaning for years — evidenced by an increase in earthquakes, flooding, and other natural disasters.

As climate protest accelerates, it has recently  been reported that a part of the South Pole ice shelf is now damaged beyond any hope of restoration.

I could go on. But the message is clear: the earth and the people in it are being pushed beyond the limit of peace. 

How close is the End?

In Matthew 24:6-8 Jesus says,

“And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

So is this just the beginning?; is it the beginning of the End?! When Yeshua does come again, this will spark a shift in the earth like no other.

We must not fear

The enemy of love is fear. We must not fear, not give in to fear, not worry, not be anxious. We must overcome any temptation to collapse emotionally or spiritually in these times of “groaning”. We must endure until the end. (Revelation 2 and 3)

How do we do this? Only through the power of Holy Spirit. If the earth groans, so too can we groan,

“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)

Endurance

The word endurance can be read two ways: 

  1. to keep going until the end of the race and 
  2. to tolerate, put up with pain and suffering.

We may need to endure in both ways as turbulence rises in the earth. But this promise is sure,

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” (Revelation 21:7)

Hallelujah! We always have the opportunity to pray… and perhaps more than ever, we need to do just that.

Categories
Reflections and Poetry

At This Time

At this time…

The Earth is straining

The Nations striving

Existence without You

Burning consequences of unexpected pain.

Tears shed, the strain so trying

Crying to you

Crying for Your loss:

At every independent heart

Rejecting You, rebuking,

Spilling hatred to all who truly love.

The Earth strains

The Heart breaks

The Lord blushes

At our shame.

What is to come:

I shudder, I quake

Echoing the prophecy

Of humanity’s self destruction

Salvation for all who choose —

Far too few choose.

And I sigh at the truth of it

At this time.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Powerless or Full of His Power?

“In You, O LORD, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame.” (Psalm 71:1)

Do you feel powerless or full of His power?

Goodness of God song link

Power of Intimacy

I sit in the dark at 5am and wonder, where are we headed in this nation?

We have a new prime minister in the United Kingdom who has not been elected (except by his constituents as a local member of parliament). 

We had a new prime minister for 45 days. Then she was booted out by her own party for daring to believe Britain could grow the economy and prosper now.

We had a Conservative prime minister who was voted in by a huge majority including by usually Labour voters amongst the enthusiastic throng, for a cause that was stuck in government because the party in power hated the idea that the nation voted to separate from the European Union. 

I could list the demise of democratic Britain but that would be negative. 

What we have is a somewhat quiet coup of elite parliamentarians against their own party, an opposition who is lacking in acuity, and behind the scenes the wealthy and powerful who are lining their pockets with the mad ideas from the fearful who believe the end is nigh because of climate change.

The end may be nigh, but we don’t know the season nor the time, and it certainly has nothing to do with the natural fluctuations in climate.

The whole scenario — and I’ve only touched on some of the factors — reads like a sci fi novel. We live in a liberal democracy but are ruled by an appointed leader, who doesn’t even have the freedom to lead but is pulled around like a ringed bull, doing what he’s told about the climate change agenda, the economy, and who knows what else!

If the Prime Minister hasn’t any power, then is it any wonder if we, the people, feel powerless. 

I voted Conservative, I voted for Brexit. I won. And I feel powerless. Pity those who voted the other way… It doesn’t really matter now does it? We voted but we got it wrong so powers that be are doing their level best to counter the vote: first regarding Brexit, now about policy and even the Leader.

I sit and I stare and I wonder. Do others say to our Creator,  “Father, we don’t have any more prayers right now. We just want to talk to you… and we aren’t even sure what to say.”

He’s listening. He knows. He cares. And He values our prayers. Our voice matters to Him. “Thank you LORD!” Because certainly, our voice doesn’t seem to matter to many politicians.

Who holds the Power?

We don’t know man’s time table, we don’t know the unoriginal Satan’s time table (New Ten Commandments). But we can see the signs of the enemy and it seems a New Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai are about to be proclaimed. It infuriates me. What can I do? Rejoice in the LORD! We who keep our eyes on Jesus, not the storm, will overcome…. Because GOD is in charge.

“And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—“ (Revelations 2:26)

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

Salvation time just got shorter…

I have been writing Preparing the Bride for some time, being called as a watchman (Ezekiel 33), to prepare us for Jesus’ return. Whether it will come in 2 days, 2 years, or 2 centuries, He asks us to be ready (Matthew 25). Well, salvation time just got shorter according to a message from Radiant Israel that really resonates with me….

Here is what was posted today by Messianic believer Gilad Rosinger:

https://www.radiantisrael.com/so/88OAxfrGO?languageTag=en#/main

I follow a few people on Telegram, people who are followers of Jesus, people who’s voice resonates with my heart for Jesus, for His followers, and these testing times we are in worldwide.

The message is clear: Salvation time just got shorter… time is up! Get into the boat with the LORD or beware the consequences of a lost world…

May you and yours know the fullness of surrender and be strong in the LORD now.

Shalom, shalom. He will give you rest (Hebrews 4).

As you comfort yourself, and allow the Holy Spirit, The Comforter to comfort you, settle into these words from John 15,

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

I pray as you prepare, that you “trust in the LORD with all your heart.” (Proverbs 3:5) and you will find rest for your soul.

Categories
Reflections and Poetry

When will I go home? – a poem

When will I go home?

“Abide with me”

my friend said.

And so

long days and evenings 

I did spend with Him.

“I can do all things”

he wrote.

And so I believed

and have lived.

“Do not be dismayed”

he said.

And so

I walk in strength.

“I go to prepare a place”

For me?

he said.

And I wait.

‘Live more abundantly’

He promised.

I am

though not how I expect.

Abide, 

All things, 

No dismay, 

Abundant life:

I await my Kingdom home

away from home

with others like me.

And Him.

Categories
Reflections and Poetry

An End of things as they’ve been: a short poem

Time is marching

Clock is ticking

UK dying

Need for grace.

*The author suggests that a read of the short prophetic book of Habakkuk is timely.*

Categories
Reflections and Poetry

Believer, let not your mind get lazy: a self reflection

Believers, let us not allow our minds to get lazy

I have been recognising that I am slowing down a bit. I’m not as vigorous as I used to be. That includes both my physicality and my mentally as well. Spiritually, I praise GOD because I seem to continue to grow!

There’s nothing wrong with my health or my age. I just don’t have the quickness of movement I used to have, and perhaps even my thinking is slowing down.

I’m sure the quickness and stiffness in my body has to do with getting older…. Although I’m thinner than I used to be and within the boundaries of ideal weight, and although according to medical science I’m healthy, I am aging; so physically, I’m less flexible and less quick than I was a few years ago. I exercise most days to try to keep age at bay.

As for my mind though, I don’t think the reduction of vitality is age (or at least not entirely), but rather, I think my mind will be as fit and healthy as I choose it to be, based upon the choices I make every day. Just as what I eat and what I do keeps me physically healthy (or not!), so too what I feed my mind, and how I use it will determine significantly how dexterous my thinking remains.

What isn’t good for me

I have learned too much tv or internet is not good for me. It deadens my acuity. I’ve written about that before. I can choose to watch a movie or read a book; I can choose to surf the next or not! But also, what I watch will either stimulate or deter my mental clarity and agility. This is the nub of what I want to write about today…

Proverbs 22: 24-25 says,

“Make no friendship with an angry man,

And with a furious man do not go,

Lest you learn his ways

And set a snare for your soul.”

On the surface, this proverb speaks of associations and friendships, but it can also mean influences. Today, we can influence people in the millions without ever meeting them, simply through what we post on the internet.

So too, we can be influenced by people we never meet in person. Do we know the character of the people we watch on YouTube, for example? We don’t know their personality, unless we know them personally. We only know what we see from our screens. And yet, many of these people act as pastors in our lives, or philosophers, or are our source of news and information. 

Gauging the Character of those whom we watch

If a person is raging — either in temper or accusation — he or she is angry, unsettled, or in slang, “mad”. And why do we call it mad? Because ‘emotion is hot, and reason is not’:)

Irrespective of how a person portrays himself or herself on social media or the in news media, they may — and probably do — have an agenda behind their postings. If the person is angry, is it righteous anger driving them, or self-righteous anger?

Anger: righteousness or self-righteousness

Righteousness can only come from GOD. When Jesus overturned the tables in the temple, he was very angry. But out of that anger, he said clearly and simply,

“… It is written, ‘My house is a ‘house of prayer’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” (Luke 19:46)

If we follow writers or speakers who are angry at government or science or the rich- and-powerful, why are we following them? What they say may be accurate, but what is their attraction and what is their effect upon us: on our minds, on our relationship with GOD and with our sharing of the Gospel, and with our brothers and sisters who may not agree?

The litmus test is simple

If, from what we are digesting, we are not growing closer to GOD and to loving Him and others more, then what we are digesting is not of GOD.

Making healthy choices

How much non-spiritual food do you want to digest?  A little bit of chocolate is not unhealthy physically, but how much proportion of chocolate do you put in your daily diet? Likewise, a little bit of news can be interesting and can even inform for our prayers. But how much “bad news” is healthy to digest or even desirable?

To my mind, as Paul suggests in Philippians 4:8, I will aim primarily to choose, “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

These are righteous choices, these are healthy choices, these are wise choices to make.

Be aware

I write Preparing the Bride because, as a watchman, my call is to observe and notify. What I observe is that a whole lot of people in the body of Christ are getting seriously distracted, and sometimes even disturbed by evil plots and conspiracies of the powerful elite. 

If this time spent upon such matters is not growing us toward Yeshua our Saviour, then it is time badly spent.

If these powerful elite are evil, are we praying for their souls? If they are of the devil, why are we giving them time? “Resist the devil and he will flee.” (James 4:&) Often I don’t observe people resisting, but rather dwelling upon the evil, sharing it — which is gossip — and being antagonised by or fascinated with it.

Evil exists, but I don’t choose to hang around it

Someone may respond to my provoking this subject by saying, “But we must pray against it.” Yes, and we must also pray for our leaders.

The devil is fascinating, the devil is deceptive, the devil will do anything to entice us away from Jesus. 

How close are we to our Saviour and how far from the devil in these days? How ready and prepared are we as the Bride? At the end of these days, that is what matters.

Bless the reader and know my heart is simply: to love Yehovah GOD, the Creator of the universe, and to make Him known.

Shalom, Shalom.

Categories
Preparing the Bride of Jesus Christ

End Times preparation: illnesses, passing – and our enduring faith

A prayer

Dear LORD,

“You are our Father, our Yehovah, our GOD in heaven. We thank you for the lives of those whom we have loved that have gone before us to be with You. We trust Your timing, Your will — be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

When my husband died after thousands of saints praying and believing GOD for his healing, I knew that GOD was sovereign and He had given me the ability to cope. 

When a friend had an accident and was put into hospital, I prayed and so far all is well, though recovery is slow.

When an elderly lady in my home group went to bed on Thursday evening and on Friday did not wake up, I could see the hand of GOD giving her lasting peace without any suffering, lengthy illness, or pain.

GOD gives life and He restores life to Himself.

Nihilism

We live in society where many people think life is meaningless. Many believe we are powerless, and GOD is dead — if He ever existed at all.

This is hopelessness at its peak. We see this lie transform the hearts of innocent, inspired children into despairing, depressed, lonely young adults. What a transformation! And for what? To attempt to prove life is meaningless by removing the purpose of our lives, the core of our meaning from the thoughts of the young, and lead them instead to believe in nothing, to hope in nothing, to die sick and empty and bereft. From where I sit, this proves GOD and the consequences of a denial of Him.

The Bible says, “hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:6a) and “our hope…. is the LORD”. (1 Thessalonians 2:19)

The passing of saints

When I experience loss, I recognise the one who has passed is now with the LORD of his/her life. For those who pass who did not know Him, yes, it is grievous. But it is not so for those who have gone to be with Jesus.

We grieve their loss, but we must recognise the reality of our faith and theirs: that they have gone to be the Good Shepherd and they have joy forever. One day we will join them. That is the source of hope and joy.

Crutch

The atheist may say we who believe have a crutch. Perhaps so. But what does that matter? The truth is, we have joy and they do not. Joy is our source, joy is our crutch, joy is the result of our hope. Our lives now and in the hereafter are full. 

The atheist may say we live a lie. But we live by faith. And that faith offers joy in all circumstances and heaven beyond this life. It is substantiated by the Word of GOD and by our life experiences.

The atheist may say there is no future beyond this life. We say there is. We say there is both heaven and hell: we each can choose where we want to go. 

The truth may be that we do have a crutch. But that crutch is there for us and it is built on truth. The life of a Jesus follower is tough, and we need a crutch sometimes, just to endure the pain. But I think it is a different pain and a different challenge to that of the atheist. The atheist may think he’s stronger than we are, for believing in nothing and carrying on. But the challenges of living our faith, whether in the relative freedom of Western society or in a society where freedom of religion does not exist, are far greater, because our faith is tested daily. It is also repeatedly rewarded, which is something that enables us to keep going. But at the end of the day, we revert to the cross: the truth that Jesus died for us and if we believe and trust in Him, we shall be saved.

Enduring trust

Times are coming thick and fast, times of our shaking, our testing, our pruning. A study of Matthew 24 highlights the challenges those in the “last days” will face, and I believe we are in the last days.

What I am particularly aware of is the passing of other believers: sudden illnesses, sudden accidents, suddenly-s! GOD is allowing this for our strengthening. Some will pass away, and this is for the pruning of those who remain. This pruning is necessary for we do not know our total mission on earth and we do not know our mission in heaven.

Hold fast, folks; “…but you shall hold fast to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day.” (Joshua 23:8) Hold fast. And we will see the salvation of our GOD (Exodus 14:13)

Categories
Politics and Society today

Reaching out – Looking in: 7 choosing grace over sensationalism

Reaching Out – Looking In

Reaching Out – Looking In is a new diary journal which speaks my inner thoughts as I walk my walk in a society that is rapidly imploding. Will the church: the body of believers — will it implode or move through to where Jesus prescribes we are to be as part of His Church?

Some years ago (@2012 link), I began and wrote a weekly journal An Examined Life based on Socrates’ adage, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I continued for a few years, and a few years after I’d stopped, I had the idea to revive it (@2020 link), but failed. 

Now in a new frame, I’m beginning again, this time not to copy the original idea but to take it and suit it to today in my walk with Jesus.

Reaching Out weekly

I’ll aim to have an insert every week, which I also plan to share in my weekly newsletter, Preparing the Bride for what better preparation than to walk together, with Jesus, through these times until this walk on earth is finished…

Hallelujah! Maranatha: Come Lord Jesus! And in the meanwhile, come one and all to the place of the heart, where Jesus abides with us and we abide with Him (John 15).

What’s on my mind this week: Sensationalism

COMMENTARY: Choosing grace over sensationalism

“My grace is sufficient for you” (1 Corinthians 12:9a)

I long for His grace to permeate my soul and the soul of every Believer.

Concern about sensationalism

The more I see negative information plastered all over social media and the more I watch tv news (msn and alternative), the more I’m aware of the sensationalism rife over the audio/visual waves.

As though war was not extreme enough, it seems some people cannot resist stating opinions as fact (Am I doing that now?), and raising the fear game to such a degree that families and dear friends are arguing over what is true and what is not.

Whew! I just want peace, don’t you? Shalom. Yes, worldwide literal peace of course. But the peace within, which passes all understanding: GOD’s peace.

Some caught up in innuendo and false accusation

There are some in this world who seek to control, to diminish freedom, and take life itself. Are we praying for them?

What concerns me about people who watch and study the evil that some dark areas of humanity are engaged in: to terminate our freedoms and even our lives, to control-control-control, is that those focusing on this evil may actually be enamoured with the strategies and movements of the enemy, or worse, are hating man rather than the principalities and powers behind the thoughts and actions of man. This I determine, is not the way to walk. In fact, it seems to be a distraction from our call to minister the Gospel and the truth of Yeshua.

How much time is spent in looking at the dark web or main stream media and condemning in our hearts the possible motives or actions of others?

Some watchmen will have a call to sound the alarm against such evil. But are all sharing these things actually posting the alarm to the lost, or only watching? Are some in fact savouring? For in the end, this is gossip: true or false, it is still gossip.

“A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.” (Proverbs 16:28)

Fight the good fight

So I am saddened that many believers seem to be diverted. Some may have a call to warn and protect, but are mixed up in with the world’s counter-agenda: to fight against flesh and blood, to expose the evil of the elite, to hearken to the fleshly attacks, and to get embroiled in a fight that is not theirs to fight. Are we praying against the evil one and are we praying for those under him? I hope more prayer is happening than what I surmise.

It saddens me. It angers me at Satan, and saddens me for my fellow Believers. This fight against the machinations of the darker side of humanity is not my fight.

Ephesians 6:10-18 states, 

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—“

What is my call?

Where do each of us fit into this scenario? Where do you? Where to I? Let us ensure we are watchmen on the walls GOD has given us to watch, without judging (myself included) the walls over which others are called to watch.